Moderna Starts Human Test Of COVID-19 Vaccine For Variant From South Africa

U.S. researchers are testing a shot developed by the Massachusetts biotech Moderna that is designed to neutralize an alarming form of the novel coronavirus.

The research is the most recent escalation in society's battle against virus variants.

The B.1.351 version, which was discovered in South Africa, has been particularly troubling. According to data from petri dish research, this version of the virus resulted in a substantial decrease in neutralizing antibodies, the virus-fighting proteins formed by the vaccine.

Although the leading vaccines are still expected to help protect against this strain, virologists are worried that the decreased immune response will lead to a shorter period of protection.

Experts are concerned that specific mutations in the virus' spike protein, which is the target of COVID-19 vaccines, may reduce the vaccines' efficacy.

As a result, leading vaccine developers have begun testing versions of their vaccines that are specifically formulated to fight B.1.351. Moderna is the first company to begin human testing of a variant-focused shot, with the research overseen by the U.S. National Institutes of Health.

According to a statement, the study, which has already administered some of its first shots, will include approximately 60 adults who participated in Moderna's original COVID-19 vaccine trials last year, as well as approximately 150 people who have not yet received any vaccine.

The returning participants, who received two doses of the original vaccine 28 days apart early last year, will be divided into groups.

One group will receive a single booster shot with the new vaccine at a higher dose, while others will receive the new vaccine at a lower dose. The remaining patients will be given a booster shot of the original vaccine "as part of a separate clinical trial protocol."

Throughout the trial, researchers will obtain blood samples from participants that will be checked against other circulating strains of the virus to see whether the vaccine induces an immune response.

According to the most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 312 Covid-19 cases of the B.1.351 variant have been confirmed in the U.S. so far.